Demolition work won't begin in earnest in North Prospect until next month at the earliest following the discovery of slow worms in the area.

The legless lizards look like small snakes and are a protected species - they are harmless to humans.

Preparatory work to demolish and replace around 150 homes in the Woodhey and Foliot road areas began in March, but demolition can't begin until the slow worms have been moved.

They are now gradually being transported to Ham Woods.

Mike Knowles from Plymouth community homes says they have to have five clear days before they can start work and at the moment they have three clear. He says he doesn't expect it to delay work too much.